Electric signal apparatus



(No. Model.)

H. E. WALTER.

6 Sheets-Sheet 1'.

ELECTRIC SIGNAL APPARATUS.

Patented Nov. 27.

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ELECTRIC SIGNAL APPARATUS.

N0. 529,984. Patented Nov. 27., 1894.

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(no Model.)

H. E. WALTER, I ELECTRIC SIGNAL APPARATUS.

Patented-Nov; 27, 1894.

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6 Sheets-Sheet 4.

H E WALTER ELECTRIC SIGNAL APPARATUS.

Patented Nov. 27

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H. E. WALTER.

' ELEOTRIG SIGNAL APPARATUS.

N0. 529,984. Patented Nov. 27, 1894 PETERS co Pumaumo moron; u c.

(NdModeL) e SheetsSheet 6..

Y, H. E. WALTER. ELEGTRIG SIGNAL APPARATUS.

No. 529,984. Patented Nov 27, 1894 HORACE E. WALTER, OF nIon EIELD SPRINGS, NEW YORK.

ELECTRIC SIGNAL APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 529,984, dated November 27, 1894.

a I Application filed January 9, 1893- Serial No. 457,759 (No model.)

T0 at whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HORACE E. WALTER, of Richfield Springs, in the county of Otsego and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Signal Apparatus; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the let ters and figures of reference marked thereon, which form part of this specification.

This invention relates to electric signaling apparatus especially adapted for police signaling, but the essential part of it is equally adapted for use as a hotel annunciator as well as for other purposes. In accordance with this invention, a series of radial lines are connected with a central station, and one box is included in each radial line, such a system being commonly known as a radial system. A signal transmitter is employed at the box comprising a signal-indicator adapted to be set by'hand into position to transmit any one of a set of predetermined signals,

and a restoring electro-magnet for returning said signal indicator when set, to zero, or its starting point. Asignal receiving apparatus is employed at the central station comprising a dial-indicator and an electro-magnet controlling its operation. A make-and break wheel driven by a suitable normally wound motor, released by an electro-magnet, is also provided at the central station foroperating the circuit of the controlling electro-magnet of the signal-receiver, and the restoring electromagnet of the transmitter, and a commutator is also provided at said central station which connects the central office receiving apparatus with the several lines successively, thereby selecting the particular line containing the box having the set signal, and when in connection with that line is locked. The commutator is operated or caused to operate by means located at the other box. To maintain the continuity of the lines at alltimes, I have provided at each box a high resistance, which may be a high resistance electro-magnet, or coil, or both, and also a switch for removing it during the transmission of the box signal, and at the central station, I have includedin each radial line a resistance; and the controlling electromagnet of the signal receiver, and make-andbreak wheel operating mechanism are included in a normally open branch wire which is adapted to be connected successively with said radial lines strong to operate the aforesaid controlling electro-magnets as well as the restoring electro-magnets at the box when the commutator arm closes on that line wherein the resistance at the box has been removed, an electric circuit being at such time established. The commutator is released or actuated by an electro-magnet'which is operated from the box such electro-magnet being herein shown as common to all the lines. A magneto-generator is herein shown at each box for the purpose of operating said electro-magnet. After asignal has been received and the parts of the signal receiver and commutator are restored, a searching device is brought into operation which consists of a switching device adapted to connect a branch wire including a battery and operating electro-magnet for the commutator to the radial lines, so that if anyone of the boxes should be set, and its resistance thereby removed, during the transmission of a signal from another box, the said commutator will bev again brought into operation, to include said box, and thereafter its set signal will be transmitted. The transmitters at the boxes are herein designed to both transmit and receive a signal, the mechanism being such that the signal-indicator is moved in one direction by the hand to set a signal, after which it is restored to its normal position by an electromagnet, and another e'lectro-magnet of higher resistance is provided for moving said signalindicator in the opposite direction from zero, said electro-magnet being herein termed the receiving electro-magnet, as it is responsive to impulses transmitted from the central station. Suitable switches are provided, by

which the receiving electro-magnet which is normally included in the line is removed, and the restoring electro-magnet included, during the transmission of the box signal. A light signal of suitable construction is provided, comprising a light and a colored globe adapted to inclose it, said globe being held in suspension above the light by suitable mechanism which is herein shown as released by the receiving electro-magnet visually indieating to an ofiicer that a signal is being received, or set up, or is waiting for him. The light signal and signal receiving apparatus at the box are adapted to be restored to their normal positions by the officer. Telephonic apparatus may be provided at the boxes and central station, if desired, which may be constructed in any suitable or usual way.

In the drawings, similar letters and figures represent like parts.

Figure 1,shows in front elevation the receiving apparatus located at the central station, together with several rows of spring jacks to which the detachable or removable transmit ter at the central station may be connected. Fig. 2, shows in elevation, the signal transmitter at the central station adapted to be connected with the springjacks. Fi 3, shows in diagram the circuit of a telephonic apparatus that may be used in connection with the system. Fig. 4, shows a vertical section of the case shown in Fig. 1, exposing in elevation the mechanism contained therein. Fig. 5, shows a lamp post having a case or box which contains the mechanism of the substation, and also having a light signal. Fig. 6, on a larger scale shows a face view of the interior of the box; Fig. 7, a face view of the interior mechanism of the box with the dial and face plate removed; Fig. 8, a side elevation of the interior mechanism of the box, the case being shown in vertical section; Fig. 9, a detail of the actuating lever or handle of the magneto-generator and switch operated by it; Fig. 10, an edge view of the switch shown in Fig. J; Fig. 11, a detail showing the spring actuated signal-indicator of the box transmitter; Fig. 12, an enlarged view of the light-signal Figs. 13 and 14, vertical sectional details showing the dial-indicator and boxindicator and connecting parts of the central office apparatus; Fig. 15, a section on the line AB, Fig. 4, of a part of the commutator or box locating device; Fig. 16, details of the locking device for the commutatorarm; Fig. 17, a view showing the actuating mechanism of the signal receiver; Fig. 18, a front and edge view of the searching device for bringing in a call from any box that may be set, while the signal from another box is being transmitted. Fig. 19, shows a sectional detail of one of the spring jacks which receives the switch plug of the transmittingapparatus or telephonic apparatus at the central station or other temporary apparatus or instrument that maybe introdncedinto thecircnit. Fig.

20, shows in diagram the circuits connecting the sub-stations and central station, eight radial lines being shown, which are suficient for illustration. Fi 21, shows a co-operative part of the signal transmitting mechanism at the central station. Fig. 22, shows another co-operative part of the signal transmitting mechanism at the central station. Fig. 23, shows a diagram matical view of the circuits at the box. Fig. 2 1, shows one of the resistance coils. Fig. 25, shows a diagrammatical view of the telephonic circuit connections at the box. Fig. 26, shows a diagrammatical view of the circuit of the transmitting apparatus at the central station.

1, indicates the box in and forming a cooperative part of post 2. Contained in the box 1 is the transmitting and receiving mechanism by which one of a given set of signals may be transmitted to the central station, or one of a given set of signals maybe received from said central station.

The signal transmitting and receiving mechanism atthe box is herein shown as a combined apparatus capable of carrying out both functions, and consists of a dial 3 hav ing arranged thereon at suitable intervals the signals or messages which are herein represented by the radial dotted lines, and located at each side of a star or zero point at the top, and when the signal-indicator 4 is opposite said point the mechanism is in its normal or out-of-use position.

The signals at the right of the star or zero point represent the signals which can be transmitted, and the signals at the left of the star or zero point represent the signals which can be received.

The signal-indicator 4 is arranged upon a spindle 5 which extends to the rear of the dial and has its bearings in a clockwork-like frame 8, mounted in the box. The spindle 5 is provided with a knob or handle on the face of the dial, accessible to the operator of the apparatus, for turning said spindle, so as to move the signal indicator 4 toward the right from zero point to thereby set said signal indicator on any one of the sighals or messages which it is desired to transmit. A star wheel is secured to said spindle 5 which is engaged by a pallet 10 provided with an armature lever 11 operated upon by an electro-i'nagnet 12, the circuit of which is adapted to be operated. from the central office as will be hereinafter described. As the armature lever 11 is vibrated the star wheel is rotated step by step and consequently the signal indicator -t is positively restored to its normal position. Therefore said electro magnet 12 is herein termed the restoring electro-magnet. A substantially semicircular contact plate 6 is secured to the spindle 5 which is adapted to engage a contact pen 7, when the signal-indicator 4 is moved toward the right from the star on the dial by hand to set the signal, and which is out of contact with and thus breaks the circuit when the signal-indicator l is at the star or zero point, or is moved toward the left from the star. This contact plate (3 and pen 7 serve as a switch for including the restoring electro-magnet 12, as well as for other IIO . 529,984: r ta purposes, and is controlled by the signal-indicator 4 when setting it in position to transmit the signal. The armature lever 11, projects at the opposite side of its pivot sufficiently to be engaged by a lever 13 pivoted at 14 and operated upon by an electro-magnet 24,

When the electro-magnet 24: is energized, and the lever 13 attracted, its outer end hearing upon the lever 11 moves the pallet 10,

which in turn, by co-operation with the star wheel, causes the signal-indicator 4 to move toward the left from the zero point, and said signal-indicator will continue to advance in this direction step-by-step as the armature 13 responds to the action of said electro-magnet 24. This electro-magnet 24 is termed the receiving electro magnet, and is operated from the central station in the manner to be hereinafter described, and the signal received will be indicated by the signal indicator 4 on that portion of the dial at the left of the divisional point. The signal indicator, when so moved by the receiving electro-magnet 24:, is restored by hand.

The lever 13 has upon its upper side a projection .which engages the lower end of an arm 14 depending from a catch 15, pivoted to the frame, said catch engaging an arm 16 secured to a shaft 17, also having its bearings in the framework and provided with a hand crank 18. A pulley is secured to said shaft 17 over which passes or to which is secured a flexible cord or connection 23 which passes up through the top of the box and also the post, and over suitable pulleys and guides to the top of the hood 20 of the lantern, which is erected upon the top of the post 2. A pulley 21 is located within the top of said hood over which the cord or chain passes, and a colored glass globe 22 is attached to the end of said cord or chain being thereby suspended above the light which is herein represented as a gas jet.

When the electro-magnet 24: is energized its armature 13 will be attracted, releasing the arm 14', which in turn releases the arm 16, and thereby permits the globe 22 to descend and inclose the light, visually indicating to a passing officer that his presence at the box is required, or such light-signal may be used for any other purpose. The globe is thereafter raised to its normal elevated position by turning the hand crank18 and winding up the cord or chain. Thus when a passing officer observes the light-signal set, he will understand that a signal is being received at the box or hasbeen received and is waiting, and after opening said box and reading it, he restores the signal-indicator 4 to its normal position or zero point by hand. A spring 38 may be provided in the spindle 5 to assist in rotating it from right to left.

When the signal indicator 4:, has been turned toward the right from zero to set up a signal which it is desired shall be transmitted. to the central station, some means must be provided, for settingthe central office apparatus in motion to bring in said set up signal, and I have herein provided for such purpose at each box, a magneto-generator 25, supported by the frame work 8. On the armature of said generator is secured a small pinion 26, engaged by a toothed sector 27, on the end of a hand lever 28 pivoted at 29 to the frame 8. The hand leveris held in 5 its elevated or normal position by a spring 30. By depressing the hand lever 28, the pinion 26 will be revolved, thereby causing impulses to be sent over the line. A'switch is connected with a co-operative part ofsaid mag neto-generator, to be operated in conjunction with it, to remove or render inoperative the electro-rnagnets at the box during the time the magneto current is being sent over the line, said switch being herein represented as a circular block 31 of insulating material secured to the hand lever 28 at its pivotal point, said block being notched to receive the metallic contact piece 32, which is engaged by the contact springs 33, 34, when the block is in itsnormal position, and also notched to receive a metallic contact piece 35 on which will rest, when the hand lever isin its lowermost position,. contact springs 36, 37. Yet so far as my present invention is concerned, I 5 do not desire to confine myself to the particular construction of switch employed, nor

'in the fact to its being engaged with and operated by the magneto-generator. Yet many advantages are gained by arranging it so that it shall be operated by a cooperative part of the transmitter.

For purposes to be hereinafter more fully explained, a resistance coil 126 is placed in each box normallyincluded in the main line, yet the receiving electro-magnet 24 may be made of sufticiently high resistance to obviate the employment of this coil, but I prefer to employ the high resistance coil, and to also make the receiving electro-magnet 24: of high no resistance as compared with the restoring electro-magnet 12.

The circuits at the box are best represented in Fig. 23, wherein the main line is indicated by a. This wire is connected to a plate 39 which may be a co-operative part of an ordinary lightning arrester, the other meinberor part 40 being placed opposite to it, and the ground wire being connected to said plate 40.

A branch circuit or loop extends from plate 12:: 39 to plate 40, including the wire I), high resistance electro-magnet 24, and also the high resistance coil 126. Another branch circuit or loop extends from plate 39 to plate 40, which includes the wire 0, restoring electro- I25 magnet 12, wirej, contact points 34:, Wire It, pen 7, plate 6, and wire g. Another branch wire or loop extends from plate 39 to plate 40, which includes the wire (1, contact points 36, 37, magneto-generator 25, and wire h. Another loop or branch entends from plate 39 to plate 40, which inciudesthc Wire e, telephonic apparatus and wire 2'. 4

The telephonic apparatus at the box may be of any well-known or suitable construction comprising the transmitter 300, receiver 301 and gravity switch 302 'and the branch wire including it is normally opened by said gravity switch as usual.

The loop or branch which includes the magneto-generator is normally open by the contact points 36, 37, bearing upon the insulated block, and the loop or branch containing the restoring electro-magnet 12 is normally open by the switch 6, 7, so that the loop or branch I) which includes the high resistance, and which is normally closed, is included in the main line.

\Vhen the signal-indicator 4 is turned toward the right to set up thesigual, the switch 6, 7, closes the loop or branch wire 0, j, g, around and thereby short-circuits the resistances 24 and 126, but this loop or branch wire is temporarily broken by the switch which is operated by the hand lever 28, during the time the magneto current is being sent to line, which switch at the same time closes the loop or branch (I, 71,, so that the resistances 24 and 126 are short-circuited or rendered in perative. By opening the loop or branch containing the electro-magnet 12 during the transmission of the magneto current impulses, said electro-magnet is not in condition to respond, and thereby to disarrange the signal which has been set for transmission.

The receiving apparatus at the central station consists of a case 41, having a compound or double dial. The outer row of cl'iaracters on said dial denote the location of the boxes, or box numbers for instance, and the inner row denotes the messages or signals.

The box-indicator 42 is arranged upon a shaft or spindle 43 which has its bearing in the framework. On said spindle 43 back of the dial is a pinion 44, which is engaged and moved by a weighted sector 45, pivoted to the framework at 46, said sector serving as the actuator of the train. The gear 47 is secured to said spindle 43 which engages a gear 48 and is shown as one half the circumfer once of 48.

The gear 48 is secured to a shaft 49 carrying a ratchet wheel, which is engaged by a pawl 52, pivoted upon the side or face of a toothed wheel 53 arranged loosely on said shaft 49, said toothed wheel 53, meshing with the first of a train of gears which terminate in an escapement mechanism 54. An arm 50 is secured to the spindle or shaft 59 which is moved in one direction by the train driven by the gravitating sector 45, and is moved in the opposite direction independent of said train by restoring devices to be hereinafter described. The commutator arm 50 swings around over a series of contact blocks 55, arranged semi-eircularly, and is provided with trailing contact springs which successively engage said blocks. A semi-circular plate or bar 57 is arranged within and concentric to said series of blocks upon which the contact spring 58 borne by said arm continuously bears, so that as said arm sweeps over the series ofblocks they are successively placed in circuit with plate 57. As the arm 50 sweeps over the series of contact blocks, the box 10- cator 42 correspondingly passes over its dial.

The operating mechanism of the arm 50 and box locator 42, is held normally wound, that is with the weighted sector in elevated position, by a detent 51, pivoted to the framework which engages the outer end of arm 50, said detent being held in its locked position by a spring 61. The detent 51 carries the armature of an electro-magnet 60, or said detent may itself constitute the armature of said electro-magnet 60, being controlled or. operated from any box by the magneto-generator.

The locking mechanism herein shown for arresting the movement of or locking the arm when bearing upon one or another block 55, consists of a lever like detent 62 pivoted at 63, the upper end of which may be moved into the path of movement of the pallet 54, to prevent the vibration of said pallet, and thereby locking the actuating train of the said arm 50. The lower end of said locking detent 62, is acted upon by an electro-magnetically operated lever 68, to be described, being thereby turned on its pivot 63. The locking detent 62, when operated becomes itself locked by a gravity catch 64, see Fig. 16, pivoted to the frame, it being made as a bellcrank lever, one arm of which is weighted, and the other arm of which is formed with a shoulder 64, which slips beneath a projection 64", on the locking detent 62, when said detent is turned to stop the train, and when in such position said weighted bell crank lever holds the locking detent 62, in its position with the train locked. The weighted end of said bell crank lever or catch 64 lies in the path of movement of a projection 65 on the counter weighted end of the arm 50, so that when said arm is restored to its normal position, said projection 65 will engage the weighted end of the bell-crank lever or catch 64 raising it sufficiently to enable the shouldered arm thereof to disengage the projection 64", of the locking detent 62, and thereby permit said locking detent to resume its normal position.

On the front side, or the other side from that shown in Fig. 4 of the frame plate 66, is provided a clock work train similar to that shown at the top of Fig. 4, terminating in an escapement mechanism. One of the shafts of the train extends through the plate 66 and has mounted thereon, a circular toothed wheel 67 which is engaged by a pivoted detent 68 having a square faced hook, and an arm carrying the armature of an electro-magnet 69. The retractile spring 70 works in opposition to the elective-magnet 69, and throws the detent into engagement with the wheel 67. The upper end of said lever 68 engages the lower end of the locking detent 62, so that whenever the electro-magnet 69 becomes energized sufliciently to attract its armature, the said locking detent 62 will be moved to lock the operating mechanism of the arm and thereby arrests its movement as well as the movement of the box locator 42. The actuating spring 71 of said train is wound bya lever 72 .operated upon by an arm 73 projecting from the restoring bar 74. A contact spring 76 is mounted upon but insulated from the plate 66 which engages the teeth 67 to make and break the circuit as said wheel revolves.

The message or signal indicator 75 of the receiver moves over the innerdial whereon the predetermined set of messages are arranged and are represented in Fig. 1, by the radial dotted lines. 1

For sake of appearance the whole. number of messages on the receiver dial are arranged entirely around the dial, so that the signalindicator makes nearly a complete circuit of the dial while the signal-indicator at the transmitting station makes one half a revolution, the whole number of messages at said transmitting station being arranged upon one half the dial.

The signal-indicator 75, see Fig. 14, is secured to a sleeve 77 mounted upon the spindle 43, to which sleeve is secured a pinion 78 and a star wheel 79.

The pinion 78 is engaged by a weighted sector 80 pivoted at 81, which assists the forward movement of the signal-indicator, and is adapted to be engaged by a projection from the restoring bar 74, to be raised to its normal position and in turn restore the indicator 75. The projection from the restoring bar 74 passes through a slot 82 in the framework, and the star wheel 79 is engaged and operated by a pallet 83 mounted upon a short pivot 85, see Figs. 17 and 4, which extends through the frame plate, and has mounted upon the other end an arm 84 which carries the armature of an electro-magnet 86, the retractile spring 87 being provided for said armature. The electro-magnet 86, is included in a branch wire with the make-and-break wheel 67 and is responsive to the action of the said Wheel.

The several transmitting stations each have a ground terminal, and are connected with the central station by the wire a, a, a a &c., and as said lines vary materiallyinlength, resistance coils A are included in said lines varying according to their resistances to thereby equalize their total resistance. At the central station, a series of spring jacks O are included in the lines with which transmitting mechanism or telephonic apparatus, to be described, may be connected, and also at the central station a resistance coil B of about two hundred ohms is included in each line. The line wires at the central station are herein represented as bundled in fours, yet not necessarily so,and are connected with a common ground terminal 1. A relay 104 is included in said common ground terminal,

v the armature 105 of which controls a local circuit 0, containing a local battery 106, and the controlling or releasing electro-magnet for the commutator arm 50, and said relay 104 is responsive to the action of the mag neto-generator at any box, so that it will be seen that the releasing electro-magnet 60 is indirectly controlled by said generator from any box.

Branch wires l connect the line wires a, a, a 850., respectively with the contact blocks 55 of the commutator,and the circuits continue from said blocks through the controlling pens 56, 58, bar 57, wire q, to contact plates 1 02, 103, which are electrically connected bycontact pens 101 on the upper end of the restoring bar 74, when said bar is in its normal position, and from said contact plate 103, the branch circuit continues by wire to the make-and-break circuit changing device 67, 76, and thence by wire to electromagnet 69, thence by wire to electro-magnet 86, thence to battery 107 and thereafter is connected with the aforesaid common ground terminal. These branch wires are normally open, as the controlling pens 56 bear upon the first block of the series, which block is not connected with any. one of the line wires, but when said commutator arm is released, the branch wires are successively closed as the controlling pens 56 contact with the blocks, and when so closed the resistances B at the central station are successively shunted out, permitting the current from battery 107 to pass over the line wire. The resistances B, are sufficient to prevent the current from battery 107 short-circuiting the main line, and thereby energizing the electro-magnet 69,and locking the commutator arm,and are used for this purpose. As an illustration suppose the resistance B were omitted from each box line, and a box in one of the lines, as for instance line a should be operated, the commutator will be started up, and its arm 50 begins to move over the segments or blocks. As soon as it closes on the first segmenta circuit is established as follows: battery 107, electro-magnet 69, pen 76, circuit wheel, wire leadingto switch 103, 101, 102, then to ring 57, through arm 50 to the first or next segment of the series, wire 1, box line a, then to the point of attachment of said wire a with the box line a and then line a to box and ground. Thus a circuit is established containing battery 107 as well as the stopping electro-magnet 69, and the result would be that the commutator arm 50 would be looked upon the first segment with which it engaged, Whereas by employing resistances B in each box line the battery is not strong enough to overcome the combined resistance of any two lines as must necessarily be the case in the illustration above made, and as a result the stopping electro-magnet 69, could not be operated, but when the commutator arrives at IIO the particular segment which is connected withthe box line that has been operated, the resistance B in said line is shunted, and the battery 107 can then energize the electromagnet 69, and arrest the progress of the commutator arm. The battery107 is strong, yet too feeble to overcome the resistances included in the line wires at the boxes, so that as the commutator arm 50 connects said bat tery circuit successively with the line wires a, a, (L (be, said battery will be incapable of lin'oducing any results'until said arm closes upon that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed, as it will be, by the switch 67, when a signal is set for transmission.

To send a message to the central station, an officer or person comes to the box, opens the door and turns the signal indicator 4: to the right to the signal which it is desired to transmit, and by such operation the switch 6, 7, shortcircuits the resistances 2 1, 126, thereby removing them from the line. The circuit at the box at such time may be traced as follows: line wire a, plate 39, wire 0, electro-magnet 12, wire j. pens 33, 3a, wire 7t, switch 6, 7, wire g, plate 10 to ground. A signal having been thus set, the handle 28 is given a quick movement downward after which itis immediately returned to its normal position by the spring 30. This movement causes the magneto-generator 25 to send a current over line a, for the moment, utilizing the branch wire (1, h, the branch wire including the olectro-magnet 12 being broken during such time by a switch connected with handle 28. The impulse or impulses transmitted pass over the line wire a, to the central station through resistance A, sprin g-j ackswitch C, resistance 15, wire Z, relay 10, and wire it to ground. The armature of the relay 104 being thereby attracted, and the iocal circuit closed, the electro-magnet 6O releases the comm utator arm 50, which travels over thecontact blocks55,untilitarrives at that block connected with the line wire a which is herein represented, however as the second block of the series. As the resistance at the box has been removed, the battery 107 will at such time be capable of energizing the electromagnets 69, 86 and 12. The electro-magnet 69 immediately releases the n1ake-and-break wheel 67 and at the same timeby moving the detent 62 looks the arm 50 and box locator 42. The released make-and-breakwheelcontinues to revolve and each time that it opens the battery circuit thus established, advances the signal-indicator a through electro-magnet 12. Such stepby-step operation continues until the electro-magnet 12, has restored the signalindicators to its norma1position,at whiehtime the switch 6, 7, opens the circuit at the box. The signal-indicator will thus indicate upon its dial the signal which was set up at the box. The oliiccr in charge at the central station upon reading the signal turns the hand crank 100 which acts upon the lever 98 pivoted to the frame which is connected with the restoring bar 74, raising said restoring bar and thereafter permitting it to resume its normal position.

The restoring bar 74, by its projection 73 winds up the motor of the make-and'breakwheel, and by means of a pin projecting from it raises the weighted sector 15, restoring the commutator arm 50 and the box locator 42, and by means of another projection on it raises the weighted sector and restores the signal indicator 75. This illustrates the sending of anysignal from any box to the central station.

When it is desired to transmit; a signal from the central station to any one of the boxes and to operate the light-signal, a transmitting apparatus such as shown in Figs. 2, 12, 21, 22, and diagram Fig. 26 is brought into use. This apparatus consists of a switch plug 111 adapted to be connected with any one of the spring jacks G, a wire to which is connected with the ground, and includes the battery 125, as well as other devices. The electro-magnet 112 is included in the wire 10, the armature 113 of which is connected with and operates a pallet 114 engaging a star Wheel 115 secured to a spindle which carries the signal-indicator 116. A disk 120 is secured to said spindle having a metallic contact point 119 and a contact pen 117 bears upon said disk. A make-and-break wheel 122 is secured to the shaft of a cloclnwork train 123 which is normally wound by a suitable key or otherwise, a pen 121 bearing upon said make-and-break wheel. The same number of signals are placed upon the whole of the dial 118, as are arranged on the left half of the dial 3 at the boxes and in the same order.

After placing the plug 111 in the spring jack 0, the operator turns the signal-indicator 116 ahead to the desired message or signal, and. then turns the winding arm or key 124: to set in operation the make-andbreak wheel 122. The impulses are transmitted through the line with the powerful battery 125, causing the electro-magnet 112 to operate the pallet 114: and restore the signal-indicator 116 to its normal position stepby-step, and at the same time causes the electro-magnet 24 to operate the pallet 10 and turn the signal-indicator 1 to the correspond ing message step-by-step. The moment the electro-magnet 2 1 is first energized, its ar mature 13 releases the actuating mechanism of the light signal. This step-by-step operation continues until the signal-indicator 116 has been restored to its normal position, at which time the switch 117, 119,120 opens the circuit. The ofiicer observing the light-signal comes to the box, reads the signal and restores the parts to their normal position by hand.

In order that the signal may be transmit ted from the central station to one of the boxes, it will be understood that the battery 125' must be sufficiently'powerful to overcome the normal resistance which is included in the line at the box.

The telephonic apparatus at the central ,station, see Fig. 3, may be connected with any one 0t several lines in the same manner as the signal transmitter just described, such apparatus comprising a switch plug 400, adapted to be connected with one of the spring-jacks O, a wire 401, which is connected with the ground, a transmitter 402, and receiver 403, said instruments being of usual construc tion and hence herein only diagrammatically shown.

In the door 127 of the signal box is provided a smaller door 128 which may be called the citizens door and on the main door 127 is provided a plate shown in the diagram in dotted lines at 129, see Fig 6, provided with a cut away portion which extends over a portion of the dial uncovering, a portion of the transmitting signals, so that a citizen upon opening said citizens door is able to send in any one of a certain limited number of signals. In case any of the other box transmitters had been set, and its magneto-generator operated, during the time a signal or message is coming in, it is desirable to have a device by which said setup signal may be brought in. The searching device shown in Fig. 18 performs this function. This device consists of a segmental plate upon which rests several springs 91 connected electrically with the lines a,a,ct &c., and an arm 92 pivoted to the frame at 93 has a cross piece 941 near its outer end which carries a piece of insulating material 95 which is adapted to ride over and upon the plate 90, and is double wedge shape, so that as the arm is swung over the plate, to and fro, the piece 95 will pass under the several springs 91, and temporarily raise them successively from the plate 90. There is also borne by said arm 92 one or more springs 96 which nominally rest on the insulating block 95, and as a spring 91 is raised on the block, the springs 96 electrically connect the arm 92 with said spring 91.

The arm 92 is normally at the lower end of the segmental plate 90, and directly beneath said arm a projection 97 from the restoring bar '74, is located so that as said restoring bar is raised to restore the other parts of the receiving apparatus, it will swing the arm 92 over the segmental plate, after which it returns by gravity or otherwise. The arm 92 is connected with a ground branch wire or terminal LL 1) containing the battery 108 and relay 109, the armature of which controls the same local circuit h as is controlled by the relay 104:. It an box has been set, and its resistance thereby shunted out or removed, when the arm 92 closes upon that line, the battery 108 will be sufficiently powerful to operate the relay 109 but otherwise said battery is too feeble to overcome the resistance at the box. If the arm 92 should close upon a line wherein the resistance had been shunted out or removed, the relay'109 will operate the local circuit h, and. again release the commutator arm 50, just as the relay before explained. In this way a signal from any box that has been set during the transmission of another signal may be brought in.

I do not desire tolimit my invention to any particular construction of searching device, nor to its arrangement with relation to the other parts, as it is obvious that it may be constructed in many different ways and operated in conjunction with a restoring device or otherwise to accomplish the desired results.

I claim 1. In an electric signaling'apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, each containing a signal transmitter and a resistance, and a switch for removing the resistance during the transmission of the box signal, a resistance coil in each line at the 0611- tral stat-ion,a commutator for successively shunting said resistances, an electro-magnet controlling the operation of said commutator, operated from the substation, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes, a make-and-break wheel also in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and an electro-magnet in said shunt circuit for releasing said motor, and locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed, a signal receiver, and an electro-magnet for operating it, responsive to the action of said make-and-break wheel, substantially as described.

2. In an electric signaling apparatus, the

combination of. a series of radial lines connecting substations or boxes, with a central station, each containing a signal transmitter and aresistance, anda switch connected with a cooperative part of the transmitter for removing the resistance during the transmission of the box signal, a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electromagnet controlling the operation of said commutator, operated from the sub-station, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistance at the boxes, a locking device operated by said battery current for locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed, and the battery thereby rendered effective, a make-and-break Wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver and an electromagnet operating it responsive to the action of said make-and-break wheel, substantially as described.

3. In an electric signaling apparatus, the

combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, each containing a signal transmitter, and a resistance, the latter being normally included in the line, and a shunt switch connected with a cooperative part of the transmitter for closing a short circuit around said resistance during the transmission of the box signal, a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electro-magnet controlling the operation of said commutator operated from the sub-station, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes, a locking device operated by said battery current for locking the commutator arm when it closes 011 that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed, and the battery thereby rendered effective, a malce-and-break wheel in said shuntcircuit, a normally Wound motor therefor, and a releasingdevice for said motor operated in said battery current, a signal receiver, and an electro-magnet operating it responsive to the action of said malceandbreak wheel, substantially as descibed.

4. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial liues connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, each containing a signal transmitter, and a resistance, and a switch for removing it during the transmission of the box signal, a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electro-magnet controlling the operation of said commutator, a magneto generator at each box for operating said electro-magnet, a battery in the shunt circuit with the commutator too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes, a locking device operated by said battery current for locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed, and the battery thereby rendered effective, a make-and-break Wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver, and an electro-magnet operating it responsive to the action of said make-andbreak wheel, substantially as described.

5. In an electric signaling apparatus the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, each containing a multiple signal transmittercomprising a signal indicator, and

step-by'step restoring electro-magnet therefor, a resistance coil also at each box, normally included in the line, a switch for removing it during the transmission of the box signal, a resistance coil in each line at the cen'tralstation, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electro-magnet controlling the opera tion of said commutator, operated from the sub-station, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes, a locking device operated by said battery current, for locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at thebox has been removed and the battery thereby rendered effective, a makeand-break wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver, and an electro-magnet controlling its operation responsive to the action of said lnake-and-break wheel, substantially as described.

6. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a. central station each containing a multiple signal transmitter comprisinga signal indicator, and step-bystep restoring electro-magnet therefor, a resistance coil also at each box, normally included in the line, a switch for removing it during the transmission of its signal, a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electro-magnet controlling the operation of said commutator, a magneto generator at each sub-station for operating said electro-magnet, a switch connected with a cooperative part of said magneto generator for temporarily rendering inoperative the restoring electro-magnet of the transmitter, a battery in the shunt circuit which includes the commutator too feeble to overcome the resistance at the box, a locking device op erated by said battery current, for locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed and the battery thereby rendered effective, a make-and-break wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver, and an electro-maguet controlling its operation responsive to the action of said make-and-brealc wheel, substantially as described.

7. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station and containing a signal transmitter and a resistance, the latter being normally included in the line, a switch for removing it during the transmission of the box signal, a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an elcc' tro-magnet controlling the operation of said commutator, local circuit therefor, a relay controlling said local circuit, operated from the sub-station, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes, a locking device operated by said battery current for locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed, and the battery thereby rendered effective, a make-and-break wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver and an electro-maguet operating it responsive to the ac- IIO tion of said make-and-break wheel, and a circuit breaker for said local circuit operated by the commutator arm, breaking said circuit immediately after said arm is released, substantially as described.

8. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, a multiple signal transmitter at each box comprising a signal indicator, and stepby-step-restoring electro-magnet therefor, a resistance coil also at each box, normally included in the line, a switch for removing it during the transmission of its signal,a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electromagnet controlling the operation of said commutator, operated from the sub-station, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes, a locking device operated by said battery current for locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed and the battery thereby rendered effective, a makeand break wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver, and an electro-magnet controlling its operation responsive to the action of said make-and-break wheel, and a restoring device for said signal receiver, substantially as described.

9. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, a multiple signal transmitter at each box comprising a signal indicator, and step-by-step restoring electro-magnet therefor, a resistance coil also at each box, normally included in the line, a switch for removing it during the transmission of its sigus], a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electro-lnagnet controlling the operation of said commutator, operated from the sub-station, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes,'a locking device operated by said battery current, for locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed, and the battery thereby rendered eifective, a makeand-break wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver, and an electro-magnet controlling its operation responsive to the action of said make-and-break wheel, and a manually operated restoring device for restoring the dial indicator of said signal receiver, and also restoring its actuator, substantially as described.

10. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, a multiple signal transmitter at each box comprising a signal indicator, and stepby-step restoring electro-magnet therefor, a resistance coil at each box, normally included in the line, a switch for removing it during the transmission of its signal, a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electro-magnet controlling the operation of said commutator operated from the sub-station, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes, a locking device operated by said battery current, for locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed, and the battery thereby rendered effective, a make-and-break wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver, and an electro-magnet controlling its operation responsive to the action of said make-and-break wheel, and restoring devices for said signal receiver and for the commutator, substantially as described.

11. The step-by-step signal receiver herein described consisting of the combination of a dial indicator, train, weighted sector engaging and driving said train, an'electro-magnet for letting oif said train step-by-step, 'and circuit therefor, and make-and-break wheel for said circuit operated from a distant point, and restoring device ,for restoring the cooperative parts of said receiver to their normal position and raising the weighted sector, substantially as described.

12. The box locating device herein described consisting of the combination of the commutator having a rotatable commutator arm, a train with which it is connected by a pawl and ratchet connection, a weighted sector for driving said train, a locking device for said train, a series of radial lines including resistances at the boxes, and also resistances at the receiving station, means for removing the resistances at the boxes during the transmission of the signal, the resistances at the receiving station, shunting them successively through the commutator, and a battery in said shunt circuit, and an electro-magnet also included in said shunt circuit which operates said locking device, substantially as described.

13. In an electric signaling apparatus the combination of a series of radial lines connectiug sub-stations or boxes with a central station, a multiple signal transmitter at each box comprising a signal indicator, and stepby-step restoring electro-magnet therefor, a resistance coil also at each box, normally in cluded in the line, a switch for removing it during the transmission of the box signal, a

resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electro-magnet controlling the operation of said and shunt circuit for commutator operated from the sub-station, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes, a looking device operated by said battery current fol-locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed, and the battery there by rendered effective, a make-and-break wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and areleasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver, and an electro-magnet controlling its operation responsive to the action of said make-and-break wheel, and variable resistances in said radial lines to equalize their total resistance and permit the use of the same battery, substantially as described.

14. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, a multiple signal transmitter at each box comprising a signal indicator, and stepby-step restoring electro-magnet therefor, a resistance coil also at each box, normally included in the line, a switch for removing it during the transmission of its signal, a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station,an electro-magnetcontrolling the operation of said commutator operated from the sub-station, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes, alocking device operated by said battery current, for locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the boxhas been removed, and the battery thereby rendered eflect ive, a m ake-and-break Wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver, and an electro-magnet controlling its operation responsive to the action of said malte-and-break wheel, and restoring do vices for simultaneously restoring the signal receiver and commutator to their normal positions,and forwinding the motor which drives the make-and-break wheel, substantially as described.

15. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, a multiple signal transmitter at each box comprising a signal indicator, and stepby-step restoring electro-maguet therefor, a resistance coil also at each box, normally included in the line, a switch for removing it during the transmission of its signal, a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electromagnet controlling the operation of said eommutator operated from the sub-stations, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes,a looking device operated by said battery current,

for lockmg the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed, and the battery thereby rendered effective, a make-and-break wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver, and an eleetro-magnet con trolling its operation responsive to the action of said make-and-break wheel, and restoring devices for simultaneously restoring the signal receiver and commutator to their normal positions upon winding the motor, and a circuit breaker in said shunt circuit controlled by said restoring devices,substantially as described.

16. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting substations or boxes with a central station, a multiple signal transmitter at each box comprising a signal indicator. and stepby-step restoring electro-magnet therefor, a resistance coil also at each box, normally included in the line, a switch operated by the transmitter for removing it during the transmission of its signal, a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electro-magnet controlling the operation of said commutator, a magnetogenerator at each sub-station for operating said electro-magnet, a switch connected with a cooperative part of said magneto-generator for temporarily shortcircuiting' the resistances at the boxes and opening the branch containing the restoring electro-magnet of the transmitter, a battery in the shunt circuit which includes the commutator too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes, a looking device operated by said battery current, for locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed, and the battery thereby rendered effective, a make-and-break wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver, and an electro-magnet controlling its operation responsive to the action of said make-and-break wheel, substantially as described.

17. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, a signal transmitter at each box, a resistance coil also at each box normally included in the line, and a switch for removing it during the transmission of the box signal, a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electro-magnet controlling the operation of said commutator, a battery at the central station which controls the operation of said electromagnet included in a normally open branch wire, and a searching device consisting of a series of contacts connected to the radial lines, a wiper carrying contacts and means for moving it, said searching device connecting said branch Wire in the radial lines as the wiper is moved, the aforesaid battery being toofeeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes, but sufficiently strong to be effective if one of said resistances is removed, thereby controlling the operation of the commutator, a battery in shunt circuit; with said commutator likewise too feeble to overcome the resistance at the box, a locking device operated by said battery current for locking the commutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed and the I battery thereby rendered efiective, a makeand-break wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therein, and a releasing device of said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver and electro-tnagnet operating it responsive to the action of said make-and-break wheel, substantially as described.

18. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes, with a central station, asignal transmitter at each'box, a resistance coil also at-each box normally included in the line, and a switch for removing it during the transmission of its signal, a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutatorfor successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an elec tic-magnet controlling the operation of said commutator operated from the sub-station, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistance at the box, a locking device operated by said battery current for locking the com mutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance atvthe box has been removed, and the battery thereby rendered effective, a make-andbreak wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver and an electro-magnet operating it responsive to the action of said make-andbreak wheel, another battery at the said central station which controls an electro-magnet common to all the lines for controlling the operation of said commutator, a normally open branch wire including it, and a searching device which connects said normally open branch wire with radial lines, said battery likewise being too feeble to overcome the resistance at the box, but sufficiently strong to be effective if one of said resistances is removed, thereby controlling the operation of said commutator, substantially as described.

19. In an electric'signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, a multiple signal transmitter at each box comprising a signal indicator, and step-bystep restoring electro-magnet therefor, a reristance coil also at each box, normally included in the line, a switch for removing it during the transmission of its signal, a resistance coilin each line at thecentral station, a

commutator for successively shunting the resistances at the central station, an electro-magnot controlling the operation of said commutator operated from the sub-station, a battery in said shunt circuit too feeble to overcome the resistances at the boxes, a locking device operated by said battery current, for locking the commutator arm when it closes on that linein which the resistance at the box has been removed, and the battery thereby rendered ef- ,fective, a make-and-break wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally wound motor therefor, and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver, and an electro-magnet controlling its operation responsive to the action of said make-and-break wheel, and restoring devices for said signal receiver and for the commutator, and another battery at said central station which controls an electro-magnet common to all the lines, for controlling the operation of said commutator a normally open branch wire includingit and a searching device controlled by said restoring device which connects said normally open branch wire with the radial lines, said battery likewise being too feeble to overcome the re sistance at the box but sufficiently strong to be effective if one of said resistances is removed, to thereby again control the operation of said commutator, substantially as described.

20. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of aseries of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, a signal transmitter at each box, a resistance coil also at each box normally included in the line, and a switch for removing it during the transmission of its signal, a resistance coil in each line at the central station, a commutator for successively shunt-ing the resistances at the central station, an electro-magnet controlling the operation of said commutator, local circuit therefor, a relay controlling said local circuit operated from the sub-station, another relay controlling said local circuit, a normally open branch wire including it, a battery in said normally open branch Wire too feeble to overcome the resistance at the box, and a searching device for connecting said branch wire with the radial lines, a battery in the shuntcircuitwiththecommutatorlikewise too feeble to overcome the resistances at the box,- a locking device operated by said battery current for locking the com mutator arm when it closes on that line in which the resistance at the box has been removed, and the battery thereby rendered effective, a make-and-break wheel in said shunt circuit, a normally Wound motor therefor, and a releasing device for said motor operated by said battery current, a signal receiver and an electro-magnet operating it responsive to the action of said make-andbreak wheel, anda circuit breaker for said local circuit operated by the commutator arm, breaking said circuit immediately after said arm' is released, substantially as described.

21. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines conmeeting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, and a combined signal transmitter and receiver at the box consisting of an indicator 4 adapted to be moved in one direction to set a signal and a restoring electromagnet for restoring it to zero, and a receiving electro-magnet of higher resistance for moving it in the opposite direction from zero, indicating a signal transmitted from the central station, a switch for rendering inoperative the receiving eleotro-magnet during the transmission of the box signal, an automatically operated commutator at the central station for locating the lines, a signal receiver and electro-rnagnet for operating it, a makeaud-break wheel and motor therefor, and actuating electro-magnet, and a'battery wire which includes said electro-magnets adapted to be connected with any one of the lines by the commutator, a signal transmitter also at the said central station included in a removable branch wire containing a battery suiiiciently strong to operate the receiving electromagnet at the box, substantially as described.

22. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connecting sub-stations or boxes with a central station, and a combined signal transmitter and receiver at the box consisting of an indicator l adapted to be moved in one direc tion to set a signal and a restoring electromagnet for restoring it to zero, and receiving elec'ro-magnet of higher resistance for moving it in the opposite direction from zero indicating a signal transmttted from the central station, a switch for removing the receiving electro-magnet and including the restoring electro-magnet during the transmission of the box signal, a light signalcomprising a light and colored globe, operating mechanism therefor restored by said receiving electromagnct, an automatically operated commutator at the central station for locating the lines, a signal receiver and electro-magnet for operating it, a make-and-break wheel and mo tor therefor, an actuating electro-magnet and battery circuit which includes said electromagnets adapted to be connected with any one of the lines by the commutator, a signal transmitter also at the said central station included in a removable branch wire containing a battery sufficiently strong to operate the receiving electro-magnets at the box, substantially as described.

The light-signal herein described comprising a lantern mounted upon apost, alight such as a gas jet therein, a colored globe 22, suspended above said light by a cord or chain, and adapted, when released to descend by gravity and inclose the light, one or more pulleys over which said cord passes, a main pulley around which said cord passes, and

hand crank for turning said main pulley in one direction, a catch for holding said pulley in position with the globe in its elevated position and an electromagnetic let-oft for said r catch, adapted to be operated from a distant point, substantially as described.

24. The light-signal herein described comprising a lantern mounted upon a post, having a transparent lower part, opaque top part or hood, a light, such as a gas jet therein, a colored globe 22 suspended above said light by a cord or chain, and adapted when released to descend by gravity and inclose the light, one or more pulleys over which said cord passes, a main pulley around which said cord passes,and hand crank for turningsaid main pulley in one direction, a catch for holding said pulley in position with the globe in its elevated position, and an electro-tnagnetic let otf for said catch, adapted to be operated from a distant point, substantially as described.

25. The light-signal herein described comprising a lantern mounted upon a post, a light, such as a gas jet therein, a colored globe 22 suspended above said light by a cord or chain, and adapted, when released to descend by gravity and inclose the light, one or more pulleys in said lantern over and around which said cord passes, a hand crank connected with said pulley arm 16, catch 15, engaging said arm, and elcctro-magnetic let-off consisting of an arm projecting from said catch, let-off lever 13, engaging said arm, electro-magnet 24 for moving said lever 13, and circuit for said electro-magnet operated from a distant point, substantially as described.

26. In a combined signal transmitting and receiving instrument, a dial, a signal indicator, a wheel and pallet for operating the indi cator continuously in one direction, two elec' tro-magnets of different resistances for operating the pallet, one in each branch of the line, a contact piece connected with the signal indicator, a spring in one of the branches adapted to engage the contact piece during a half revolution of the indicator in one direction and complete the circuit through one branch and the low resistance magnet, and break the circuit through the low resistance magnet, when the indicator is moved on the other half of the dial, substantially as described.

27. In a combined signal transmitting and receiving apparatus,asignal dial having upon oneside of a divisional point a set of trans mitting signals, and upon the other side thereof a set of receiving signals, a signal-indicator moving over said dial, being manually operated in one direction over the set of transmitting slg nals, means for restoring it to the divisional point, when'so moved, controlled by an electro-magnet, the circuit of which is operated from a distant point, and means for moving it over the set of receiving signals which is controlled by another electromagnet, the circuit of which is operated from a distant point, said indicator when so moved being restored by hand, substantially as de scribed.

28. The combination of several radial circuits, a common receiver for the several circuits, a transmitting and receiving instrument for each of the several circuits having a signal indicator, an electro-magnet in one branch of each circuit for operating a signal indicator in transmitting a signal and an elec tro-magnet of high resistance in a branch of each circuit for operating a signal indicator in receiving a message, substantially as described;

29.',In a signal transmitting and receiving instrument,the combination with a dial having the transmitting signals arranged at one side of a divisional point and the receiving signals arranged at the other side of the divisional point, an indicator moving on the dial over the signals, an escapement for antomatically operating theindicator, a magnet for operating the escapement, and a spring for automatically assisting the movement of the indicator in one direction over the signals, substantially as described.

30. In a signal transmitting and receiving instrument, a dial having the transmitting signals arranged on one side of a divisional point on the dial and the receiving signals arranged on the other side of the dial, a signalindicator adapted to move over the transmitting and receiving signals, a pallet for operating the indicator in one direction over the signals,a magnet for operating the pallet while the indicator is moving over the transniitting signals, means connected With the indicator for breaking the circuit through the magnet which operates the indicator in a retrograde movement over the transmitting signals when the indicator has reached the divisional point between the transmitting and receiving signals, and a magnet of higher resistance for operating the pallet and indicator to pass the same over the receiving signals, substantially as described.

31. In a combined signal transmitting and receiving instrument, the combination of a dial, a signal indicator and two electro-magnets of different resistances for operating said signal indicator, one of which is normally included in the line, and a switch for removing it and including the other electromagnet, and a light signal comprising a light, and a colored globe and actuator therefor, and releasing mechanism for said actuator controlled by the aforesaid electro-magnet, which is normally included in the line, sub stantially as described.

32. The combination of a signal box having a dial with transmitting signals thereon, an indicator to move over the dial, a door to the box concealing said indicator, and an opening in the door having a smaller door, and plate on the main door cut away to expose the indicator and a part of the transmitting signals on the dial, wherebya person having access to the instrument through the smaller door can operate the indicatoron a limited number of signals, substantially as described.

33. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connected at a central station with a common terminal, a resistance in each radial line at said central station, a signal transmitter included in each line at'a remote point and a box containing it, and a signal receiver included in a branch wire at the central station, and a commutator for connecting said branch wire with the radial lines successively, shunting the resistances, an electro-magnet for starting said commutator, a magneto-generator at each box controlling the operation of said electro-magnet, and an electro-magnet for stopping said commutator, connected with the branch wire containing the signal receiver, substantially as described.

, 34. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connected at a central station with a common terminal, a signal transmitter and receiver in each line at the box, a signal receiver included in a branch wire with a battery at the central station, and a commutator for connecting said branch wire with the radial lines successively, an electro-magnet for operating said commutator, and means at the box for operating said electromagnet, and a signal transmitter at the said central station included in a branch Wire with a battery, and switches by means of which said branch wire may be connected with any one of the said radial lines, substantially as described.

35. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connected at a central station with a common terminal, a signal transmitter included in each line adapted to be set to transmit its signal, a signal receiver at the central station, and commutator for successively connecting said receiver with the radial lines, a spring jack included in each radial line at the central station, a signal transmitter at the central station having as a cooperative part of it a make and break wheel included in a branch wire containing a battery, and having a plug switch to engage any one of said spring jacks, and a signal receiver included in each radial line at the box, the operating electromagnet of which is responsive to the action of the make-and-break wheel of said signal transmitter, substantially as described.

36. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connected at a central station with a common terminal, a signal transmitter and resistance connected with each line at the box, a switch for removing the resistance during the transmission ofthe box signal, and a signal receiver included in a branch wire with a battery at the central station, said battery being too feeble to overcome the resistance at the box, and an electromagnetically operated commutator for connecting said branch wire with the radial lines successively thereby establishing electric circuits with said lines, substantially as described.

37. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connected at a central station with a common terminal, each radialline having a resistance at the central office a signal transmitter and resistance connected with each line at the box, and a signal receiver included in a branch wire with a battery at the central station, said battery being too feeble to overcome the resistances at the box, and an electro-magnetically operated commutator for connecting said branch wire with the radial lines successively,shuntin g the resistances at the central station and establishing electric circuits with said lines, substantially as described.

38. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connected at a central station with a common terminal, a signal transmitter and resistance connected with each line at the box, aswitch for removing the resistances during the transmission of the box signal, a variable resistance permanently included in each line which equalizes the total resistance of the several lines, and a signal receiver included in a branch wire with a battery at the central station, said battery being too feeble to overcome the resistance at the box, and an electro-magnetically operated commutator for connecting said branch wire with the radial lines successively, establishing an electric circuit when the commutator closes upon that line wherein the resistance at the box has been removed, substantially as described.

39. In an electric signaling apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connected at a central station with a common terminal, a signal transmitter and a resistance included in each line at the box, a switch for removing the resistance during the transmission of the box signal, a variable resistance permanently included in each line to equalize the total resistance of the several lines, and other resistances included in each line at the central station, and a signal receiver included in a branch wire with a battery at the central station, said battery being too feeble to overcome the resistance at the box, and an electro-magneticallyoperated commutator for connecting said branch wire with the radial lines successively, shunting the resistances at the central station and establishing an electric circuit when the commutator arm closes upon that line wherein the resistance at the box has been removed, substantially as described.

d0. In an electric signal apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connected at a central station with a common terminal, and each having at said central station a resistance, a magneto-generator connected in each radial line at the box, a battery wire at the central station, a commutator started by an electro-magnet operated by said magnetogenerator for successively connecting said battery wire with the radial lines, shunting the resistances, a searching device consisting of a series of contact pieces, connected respectively with the radial lines, a movable member bearing a contact piece adapted to successively engage the said contact pieces, thereby successively connecting the battery wire with said radial lines to establish electrical connection with any line wherein a signal has been set, in order that said signal may be received, substantially as described.

ii. In an electric signal apparatus, the com bination of a series of radial lines connected at a central station with a common terminal, and each having at said central station a resistance, a magneto-generator connected in each radial line at the box, a battery Wire at the central station, a commutator started by an electro-magnet operated by said magneto generator for successively connecting said battery wire with the radial lines, shunting the resistances, a manual restoring device for said commutator, and a searching device operated by said restoring device, consisting of a series of contact pieces, connected respectively with the radial lines, a movable member bearing a contact piece adapted to successively engage the said contact pieces, thereby successively connecting the battery wire with said radial lines to establish electrical connection with any line wherein a signal has been set, in order that said signal may be received, substantially as described.

42. In an electric signal apparatus, the combination of a series of radial lines connected at a central station with a common terminal, and each having a resistance included therein near said common terminal, a signal transmitter for each line, a signal receiver at the central station, a commutator consisting of a series of contact pieces connected by wires with the radial lines at points outside of said resistances, and a movable member having a contact whereby the circuit of said signal receiver is successively connected with the radial lines, shunting the resistances, and an electro-magnetic device included in the afore said common terminal, which controls the operation of said commutator, substantially as described.

43. In an electric signal apparatus the combination of a series of radial lines connected at a central station with a common terminal, and each having a resistance included therein near said common terminal, a battery wire at said central station, a commutator at said central station consisting of a series of contact pieces connected by wires with the radial lines at points outside of said resistances, and a movable member bearing a contact, for successively connecting said battery wire with the radial lines, shunting the resistances a circuit controller for each radial line, an electro-magnet common to all the radial lines, and operated by means of the circuit controllers therein for starting said 

